Bank account question
 

Quick question I hope someone can answer. When my EP2 has been stamped in my passport the first thing I want to do is get an account setup with HSBC (my UK bank). However I will be "living" in a hotel for the first two weeks, here are a list of scenarios:

A. When applying for an account I put my hotel address and room number down? Will HSBC accept this as it's not exactly permanent residency?

B. I setup a PO BOX and use this as my main address?

C. I use my UK address but collect my paperwork and card from their branch? Is this even possible?

The problem I have is getting an account to be able to pay in Ringitt for a permanent place to live (I don't want to rush and get this and be stuck with the last place available), and without a bank account I won't be able to do this without costly FX conversions.

Anyone had this problem who can help?

Re: Bank account question
 

I know you're not retired but you may wish to check in the Retirement and MM2H section above, first topic, Opening bank account without address.

Re: Bank account question
 

I opened my Malaysian HSBC bank account from the UK, from a local branch where I had a local HSBC account.

They were much more flexible on taking any address as a temporary one as I wasn't sure where I'd be staying.

When I arrived in Malaysia, I went to the branch that was selected from the UK, and picked up my cards and documents. And told them I'd inform them of an address change soon. Which I did once I got my own place.

Re: Bank account question
 

Please forgive my ignorance but what is 'EP2'? Is this the MM2H visa under another name?

Re: Bank account question
 

Hi Scuba Tyke,

I think it means Employment Pass 2 (EP2). It has a duration of 3 - 23 months and used to be called a Temporary Employment Pass (TEP).

JC3

Re: Bank account question
 

Ah, thanks for clearing that up JC3.

ST

Re: Bank account question
 

Thanks for pointing me towards that other thread, seems I am not alone!

EP2 is employment pass stage 2 from the "multimedia development corporation" which I believe is actual stamping part into my passport.